The right time to Increase De Beers stake: Botswana’s mines minister

Botswana’s mines minister Bogolo Kenewendo says it’s “absolutely” the right time to discuss the government increasing its 15 per cent stake in De Beers.

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

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She indicated that Anglo American, which owns the other 85 per cent of De Beers, was moving closer to an initial public offering (IPO) and that Botswana was pushing for a larger stake.

Anglo announced last week that it was likely to write down the value of De Beers from its current $7.6bn, as a result of persistent weak diamond demand, especially in China.

Botswana’s diamond, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s export earnings, has been severely hit by the global slump in demand.

In the last nine months of 2024 Debswana – its 50/50 joint venture with De Beers it sold $1.53bn of rough, down 52 per cent on the same period in 2023.

Alrosa Reports Highest Customer Interest in Rough Diamonds in Eight Years

Since The Beginning Of 2026, Prices For Approximately 80% Of The Company’s Production By Value In The 2- To 10-Carat Category Have Increased By 6% To 9%.

Published

2 hours ago

June 11, 2026

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Russian diamond mining company Alrosa has reported its strongest level of customer engagement in rough diamonds in the past eight years, with the number of product viewings conducted in May 2026 more than doubling compared with the corresponding period last year.

According to the company, client screenings of rough diamond assortments reached a record high, surpassing even the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. Demand was particularly robust for large diamonds weighing 10.8 carats and above, as well as rare fancy-coloured diamonds, reflecting heightened interest in premium and investment-oriented categories.

Alrosa noted that the trend underscores strengthening demand in the higher-value segment of the market. Since the beginning of 2026, prices for approximately 80% of the company’s production by value in the 2- to 10-carat category have increased by 6% to 9%. These rough diamonds are widely used in the manufacture of investment-grade polished stones.

Alrosa markets a significant share of its rough diamond production through competitive sales mechanisms, including auctions, tenders and electronic sales platforms. The company also facilitates spot sales through one-time transactions, providing buyers with flexible procurement options.

Product screenings are organised through Alrosa’s Unified Sales Organisation, which is responsible for the sorting, valuation and pre-sale preparation of Russian rough diamonds before they are offered to the market.

The latest data points to improving sentiment within select segments of the global rough diamond industry, particularly for large and rare stones, as constrained supply conditions and renewed interest from manufacturers and investors continue to support demand.